Nigerian healthy food brand Nuli Foods has taken a bold step onto the global stage with the launch of its first overseas outlet, Nuli USA, located at 1850 K Street NW, Washington D.C. (The Square).
The grand opening, held recently at The Square, marked a milestone not only for the company but also for Africa’s growing footprint in the global food and wellness industry.
Founded by food entrepreneur and investor Ada Osakwe, Nuli Foods began as a mission-driven venture to make nutritious, locally sourced meals more accessible to Nigerians. A former investment banker turned agripreneur, Osakwe launched Nuli in 2015 after recognizing the disconnect between Nigeria’s rich agricultural resources and the limited availability of fresh, healthy, ready-to-eat meals in urban areas. Her vision was simple yet transformative — to create a fast-casual food chain that celebrates African superfoods while supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture.
Since then, Nuli has grown from a small juice brand into one of Nigeria’s most recognized health-conscious restaurant chains, with outlets in Lagos and Abuja. The brand’s emphasis on farm-to-table sourcing, vibrant flavors, and wholesome meals has resonated deeply with Africa’s growing middle class and health-aware consumers.
The Washington D.C. launch marks the brand’s first foray outside Africa — and the first African-inspired, health-forward fast-casual concept of its kind in the U.S. Guests at the opening event sampled a menu infused with authentic African ingredients such as moringa, millet, plantain, and hibiscus, while learning about Nuli’s mission to “energize healthier lifestyles through African-inspired cuisine.”
Speaking about the expansion, Osakwe emphasized that Nuli’s U.S. debut is not just about food, but about introducing African wellness culture to the world. “We want to show that Africa’s ingredients — our grains, spices, and superfoods — are not only flavorful but deeply nourishing,” she said.
With its Washington D.C. opening, Nuli Foods joins a small but growing number of African brands making waves internationally, underscoring the continent’s potential to redefine global narratives around food, sustainability, and health.
The Square welcomed Nuli USA as a “vibrant addition” to its culinary community — a fitting home for a brand whose name, “Nuli,” stands for “Nutrition that Liberates.”